I was only 7 years old when one of my best friends entered my life. We were instantly bonded over skip change of step during our first ballet class together. We were constant smiles and giggles in our own world. Little did I understand that her family had been through a great tragedy with the loss of her father during the Air India bombing. The grief I am sure was paralyzing and in it’s effect difficult to convey with just words. 20 years of investigations, trials and bombardment of reporters reliving the event were constant reminders of how this senseless act of terrorism altered their lives forever.

Natasha and her mother were always strong smiling souls full of courage. Not only facing a life without a father/husband but also having to face all the very public reminders. Yet they did not lose their resolve to testify and come forward. Their grace and dignity in the face of such suffering is humbling. It is no surprise that these two devoted their lives to others in need. Her mother working as a counselor with a crisis centre and Natasha as a professor in criminology. I am forever in awe of their greatness and our bonds of friendship will always run deep.

Now available in print